We were lucky to catch up with Terrance Gawith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Terrance , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I spent months doing more research than I should have to start and put on my own show. I wanted to run a comedy show that was so good, people would have to keep coming back. I finally pulled the trigger, and I put on a show.

I promoted. I pumped out flyers. I told everybody I could in person and on Facebook. I packed the place out. The lineup was killer. I loved it. The crowd loved it. I earned not only money from the bar that night but also a few were tossed into a tip jar.

I haven’t made a dime since. Kidding. Kinda lol

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started comedy (finally) after researching for far too long back in 2013. I had been interested in trying since I was young, but being from a small town, there’s no real opportunity. That was city folk stuff. Since then, I’ve performed in several clubs, including Magooby’s outside of Baltimore, The DC Improv (I started in DC, even though I’m from small town Kansas), The Funnybone in Omaha (where I now reside), and various small town bars along the east coast and several Midwest states. I love to make people laugh with my random, often messed up thoughts as well as my random takes on life. I genuinely enjoy the connection it provides with people. They talk to you a lot when you make them laugh.

I provide a good time. That’s it. Nothing more. Nothing less. I will never over or under sell it. I provide a good time in laughter when I’m performing comedy, and I provide a good time when I’m hosting. I host music bingo nights at two venues in Omaha; Barrel & Vine on Tuesday nights from 7-9 PM and Inner Rail Food Hall on Thursday nights from 6-8 PM. Comedy was/is a vehicle that has driven me to many destinations I had no idea I would arrive at, let alone enjoy them. I’ve been fortunate enough to host karaoke gigs, too. As crazy as it might sound, wedding receptions are something I not only deeply enjoy but also get booked for. It’s a long way of saying I can provide a good time.

I think what sets me apart is my ability to relate to people. I’m an athlete who is also a gamer. I’m a comic book nerd at times while also reading up in history. I’ve loved and lost. I’ve hated me and loved me. I’ve been able to find common ground because I can often see parts of myself in others. That helps me really get into hosting and joking with people because I’m fully present.

My pride in accomplishment thus far has to be that I haven’t quit. It isn’t easy. To get a lot of rejection despite putting in work isn’t fun. The nights where the jokes are flowing, the music is rocking, they don’t reflect the behind the scenes well at all. It’s a contrast, and often bitter one. I think it has taught me so much, most of which revolve around honesty, humility, and been authentic in yourself and the boundaries you have. It keeps you moving forward to get consistently better at jokes, reading crowds, reacting in the moment, and communication overall. I truly love it.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

When I started comedy, I was misguided. I sought a little bit more fame than I would’ve been willing to admit. I’m doing this for a decade come November, I’ve realized my goal is to be the best me I can. My humor has always been my sword and shield in life. It’s a gift that pushes me to places I never thought I’d go, so I want to follow it openly. I want to be open so I don’t miss other opportunities that may be meant for me just because I want comedy so bad.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m a somewhat angry dude, despite the laughs. Anger is my love language. I feel sad for a second, then it’s rage. I want to be more emotional intelligent, and ‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius translated by Gregory Hays helps me a lot. I’ve carried that book with me daily for years. Parts are highlighted all over to address the everyday mental anguish one can run through. It’s helped provide me a perspective for raising children, becoming a better man, and understanding by my role better as a man, husband, and father.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: faketerranceg